Welcome to Alabama Coastal Charters where we take kids fishing & shrimping!
NEW DO IT ALL -Blue Angels/Beach/Shrimping/Dolphin Encounter
Blue Angel Practice
The charter departs SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach at 10am and travels via the intracoastal waterway to the Navel Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. We beach the boat onto the bay side of Johnson's Beach where you will have about 2 hours of fun on the beach. The Blue Angels practice starts at 11:30 am and will practice directly overhead for about 55 minutes.
After time on the beach the boat will travel back to the calm back bay waters near Orange Beach where you will shrimp for 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will participate in the entire shrimping process.
The Bottle Nose Dolphins will hear the net being pulled through the water and they know it is time for lunch. They follow the net when it is being pulled and will follow it back to the boat when it is retrieved. As you return the bi-catch to the bay, it provides for an up close Bottle Nose Dolphin viewing opportunity.
The Blue Angel's only practice on certain dates so book early! All practice dates will book!
Beach
This charter is designed for FAMILY FUN! We want the kids and adults alike to be entertained while on the beach. We provide sand toys, beach ping pong, a frisbee, a beach football, and float noodles. Feel free to bring your personal inflatable float, beach umbrella, snorkel, mask, and beach supplies. No beach chairs due to space limitations. Water and ice are also provided.
Shrimping
After enjoying your beach time and watching the Blue Angels we will return to the back bay in Orange Beach to Shrimp. The Shrimping is completely interactive where you will participate in the entire shrimping process. This is a very educational charter where you will learn about many underwater species and many varieties of sea birds. Most pulls of the net will catch shrimp, squid, starfish, stingrays, crabs, a wide variety of fish and other surprises. We will make stingrays safe to hold and allow you to return them safely back to the bay if desired. All of your shrimp and legal crab will be bagged and placed on ice and will be yours to keep at the end of the charter.
Dolphin Viewing
The Bottle Nose Dolphins initially will follow behind the shrimp net. When it is time to retrieve the net they will often follow the net to the boat and remain close to the boat while the bi-catch is returned. This provides for an up close viewing opportunity. Great care is taken to protect the Dolphins and sea birds. Feeding Dolphins and sea birds is against the law and is strictly prohibited. Only bi-catch is allowed to be returned back to the bay. (There is absolutely no hand feeding allowed of the dolphins or sea birds!)
Blue Angel Practice Dates
Blue Angel Practice Dates
April 23rd, 24th and 30th
May 1st, 7th, 14th, 15th, 28th, and 29th
June 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 25th, and 26th
July 2nd, 3rd, 16th
July 13 Pensacola Beach Airshow (8 Hour Charter)
August 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 20th,
September 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th
October 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th.
November 5th, 6th, 7th
November 8th and 9th Blue Angels Homecoming Show (8 Hour Charter)
Lunch By Water
If you choose not to go shrimping or view the dolphins after the Blue Angels practice we offer two other options. You may extend your beach time and island hop to another island or go to lunch via water. There are a number of destination restaurants that are accessible by water. This is the list of restaurant options: Flora-Bama, Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, Flora-Bama Yacht Club, Pirates Cove, Flippers, Tacky Jacks, Cobalt, Sassy Bass Caribbean Grill, Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina, Anchor Bar and Grill, Playa Restaurant, Pleasure Island Tiki Bar at Sportsman's Marina, and Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina. (Note: Lunch is not included in the price of the charter and is at the expense of the charter party.)
About Us
ALABAMA COASTAL CHARTERS
Alabama Coastal Charters is the most unique charter company in Orange Beach and OUR SPECIALTY IS KIDS AND FAMILIES. We wanted to break the mold and steer away from your typical fishing charter company and offer unique family friendly charters. We offer 2 to 6 hour fishing charters where you can fish the calm back bays or venture out miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, WE CATCH FISH! But, we are known for our SHRIMPING CHARTER and SHRIMPING AND FISHING COMBO CHARTER. We have had numerous parents tell us the Shrimping Charter was the highlight of their kids vacation. As a bonus to the Shrimping Charter you get an up close Bottle Nose Dolphin Charter all in one. The Bottle Nose Dolphins hear the sound of the net as it is pulled through the water and they know that means it's time to eat. They will follow the net to the boat for an up close Dolphin viewing experience.
We are offering two new charters for 2019. First, we have had numerous families see the Blue Angels practice from a distance while shrimping or fishing and desire to watch them up close. We have also had numerous families watch people enjoy the sun and sand on our many islands and want to join them. We have decided to make both of those choices possible with an option to end the charter with a shrimp/dolphin encounter, island hopping , or go to lunch at one of the many destination restaurants in the area.
Our "New-DO IT All BlueAngels/Beach/Shrimping/Dolphin Encounter Charter" travels by boat to the Navel Air Station in Pensacola where you will watch the Blue Angels directly overhead. You will enjoy the beach for 2 hours and then travel to the back bay in Orange Beach for 1 hour and 30 minutes of shrimping/Dolphin encounter. If shrimping and the Dolphin encounter is not for you you may extend your beach time and go island hopping to other islands or go to lunch by boat to numerous destination restaurants in the area. Lastly, we are offering a New-Sunset Shrimping/Dolphin/Laser Light Show Charter. This charter leaves at 6:30 PM and will travel the calm intracoastal waterway and back bays to the Warf for the "Spectra Laser Light Show" that starts at 8:30 PM. You will shrimp and have a dolphin encounter in route to the Warf. All Shrimp will be bagged and and will be given to you at the end of the charter. You will return immediately after the laser light show and arrive back at the marina by 9:45 PM.
At Alabama Coastal Charters, we are aware there are other fishing options available to you. We are not offering just a fishing or shrimping trip. We are offering an affordable personalized charter that will be remembered by you, your family, and friends for a lifetime.
Our charters leave from the beautiful SanRocCay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. We chose to fish at this marina because it is located in the heart of one of the best fisheries in the world. The marina is uniquely located next to the Perdido Pass and is less than 1/4 mile from the Gulf of Mexico.
The bay system in and around Orange Beach, Alabama has one of the most diverse echo systems in the world and is loaded with shrimp, crab, squid, and numerous varieties of bait fish. The wide variety of bait and fishing habitat locations makes this a great place to fish. We often fish over man made pyramid and pancake reefs, oyster beds, wrecks, bridge rubble, jetties, bridges, flats, grass beds, and underwater terrain changes. Between the near shore waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the bay system in and around Orange Beach, Alabama you will have the opportunity to fish many different types of fish habitat.
We customize our inshore, near shore, and offshore charters around the species that you would like to catch when in season. Our inshore trips may target Red Fish, Bull Red Fish, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Triple Tail, Black Snapper, Black Drum, Pompano or Flounder. Our near shore or offshore trips may target Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Vermilion Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Tarpon, Bull Red Fish, Blue Fish and Sharks.
We understand that the skill level of the angler varies greatly and we will work with each angler to achieve the most enjoyable fishing experience possible. We can arrange for the most basic fishing experience (kids or those new to fishing) all the way to providing finesse fishing trips for more experienced anglers.
The primary boat used is a 24 foot Panga that fishes 4 people. If you have a larger group we can make arrangements to fish from two or more boats. When we fish two or more boats we attempt to keep the parties fishing together in the same general area.
One of the most difficult things to plan for a a captain is the skill level of the angler. We generally use simple fish catching techniques to allow all passengers an enjoyable fishing experience. However, if you are a seasoned angler please let us know when you book the trip and we will customize your trip to your skill level. If you like to catch big fish on lighter tackle Alabama Coastal Charters is the charter company for you!
Big Cobia!
You get to help!
CHARTERS
Offshore and Nearshore Fishing
Our specialty at Alabama Coastal Charters is families and kids!
We provide offshore and nearshore charters that are kid friendly and are second to none. For the more seasoned anglers and adults we will target the larger fish and catch them on medium tackle. On our nearshore and offshore charters we always have light fishing gear ready for schooling top water fish when opportunity permits. Other charter companies drive by the schooling action, but not us.
These are drag screaming charters!
Inshore Fishing
We have an excellent inshore fishery that consists of grass flats, oyster beds, man made reefs and underwater terrain changes that is only minutes from our marina. Our inshore fishing is done in the calm back bay waters. It is a great trip for those who have never fished in salt water before, those who are concerned about seasickness, or a beginner or child's first fishing trip.
Shrimping
This is a very educational trip for those interested in what lives underwater in our back bays. We often catch shrimp, squid, crabs, stingrays, and many different varieties of fish. And as a bonus, this is also a great up close bird and Bottle Nose Dolphin viewing opportunity. The Bottle Nose Dolphins hear the net in the water and know the dinner bell is ringing and follow the net to the boat.
Fishing/Shrimping Combo
DO IT ALL! We offer a 4 hour and 6 hour Fishing/Shrimping Combo trip. You can customize the fishing portion to fish in the calm back bay waters or venture out miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Our Sunset Dolphin Cruise is one of a kind. This cruise is really both a Shrimping Charter and a Dolphin Cruise all in one. We pull the shrimp net on our Dolphin Cruises and this sounds the dinner bell for the Bottle Nose Dolphins. They follow the net close to the boat for an up close viewing experience. The shrimp is bagged and is OUR FREE GIFT TO YOU!
Inshore Night Fishing
We are one of the few charter companies that offer NIGHT FISHING. Go have dinner with your family and return for some outstanding inshore Orange Beach night fishing. This is a great trip to beat the oppressive summer heat. The trips are 3 hour trips and leave at 8:30 PM nightly.
Offshore or Nearshore Fishing
OFFSHORE OR NEARSHORE FISHING
We have the best Red Snapper fishery in the world! There are thousands of natural and artificial reefs that start just 3 miles off the beach and extend out into the gulf over 40 miles. In addition to the above reefs there are now are over 1000 new reefs in state water within 9 miles of the beach. We offer a 4 hour, 5 hour, and 6 hour offshore charter.
We have excellent technology on the boat. We are able to locate the fish on the high resolution GPS sonar and anchor over the fish with the state of the art I-Pilot GPS trolling motor anchoring system. When we locate the fish on sonar we punch a button and the trolling motor holds the boat over the fish. This technology is a huge advantage for smaller boats and allows customers more time fishing and less time waiting to re-position the boat as on larger boats.
6 Hour Offshore/Nearshore-Experienced Angler Trip
THIS IS A FUN TRIP! This offshore trip is action packed and is designed for seasoned anglers who like to hear the drag scream. We use techniques that target the larger Red Snapper and allow you catch them on medium weight gear. If your skill level is less than seasoned we will still let you target the larger Red Snapper but do so with heavier gear.
This trip always starts with a scripted plan but it never gets carried out. The boat is very maneuverable and the captain is very flexible and that allows us to change plans when opportunity arises. We bring a large variety of gear on this trip and try to always be prepared on short notice when excitement lurks.
On previous charters, you may have traveled past schooling fish and wished you could have stopped. Not on this trip! We often site fish schooling and catch them on light tackle when going and returning from snapper fishing. This is the ultimate in drag screaming excitement.
5 Hour or 6 Hour Offshore-Catch and Release
JUST WANT TO CATCH A LOT OF FISH? This offshore trip is available year round for people who want to catch lots of fish and hear the drag scream. This trip is all about FUN. If you want to catch large numbers of fish on light tackle, you got it. If you want to catch large fish and see if you can hang on to the rod, you got it. You tell us what you would like to do and we will make it happen.
The boat is equipped with the state of the art electronics and the Minn Kota I-Pilot GPS anchoring system that "spot locks" you over the fish. No more re-positioning the boat as on larger boats due to wind and current. Stay over the reef at all times so you can fish longer and catch more fish. This is a fantastic trip for kids and those that love to fish. Kids won't get bored, they will get tired. Great care goes into releasing all fish alive and well.
5 Hour Offshore/Nearshore
This trip takes you out to 9 miles from shore and provides you the opportunity to catch a lot of fish and still be within easy sight of land. Last season we caught our Red Snapper limit every trip and regularly caught Red Snapper over 20 pounds on this charter. With the I-Pilot anchoring system we are able to keep you over the fish to give you maximum fishing time.
We keep lighter tackle at the ready and will stop as time permits to fish schooling fish on this charter. If desired we will gladly customize this charter and do some nearshore trolling for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Fish, and Bonito when returning from the Red Snapper waters. You let us know what you would like to target and we will make it happen.
4-Hour Offshore/Nearshore
This a great trip for beginner anglers, kids, or those who want to stay closer to shore and still catch Red Snapper. You will fish out 3 to 9 miles and stay within easy sight of land and catch lots of fish. Again, the I-Pilot GPS anchoring system "spot locks" you over the reef and holds you there and this keeps your bait near the fish's mouth. You may not catch the larger Red Snapper on this trip but big enough to make your drag pull. Although, we did catch the biggest Red Snapper of the season last year on this trip.
4 Hour Nearshore or Trolling
Our 4 hour nearshore trip is designed to be flexible and target fish that are in season and hungry. You may fish just yards off the beach or out to 3 miles in the Gulf. This trip will allow you to beach fish for Pompano, Speckeled Trout, and Whiting, bottom fish for Flounder, Red Snapper, and Black Snapper, drift fish for King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, site fish for schooling King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Fish, Jack Cravelle, and Bonito, or troll for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Bonito.
Inshore FISHING
INSHORE FISHING
We customize our inshore charters around the species that you would like to catch when in season. Our inshore trips may target Red Fish, Bull Red Fish, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Triple Tail, Black Snapper, Black Drum, Pompano, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, or Flounder.
I have both a Florida and Alabama Charter Fishing License and that allows me to fish more area than most local charter captains. This is a huge advantage at certain times of the year with the fish migration cycles.
Our 4 Hour Inshore Charter is priced for two anglers but can accommodate up to 4 anglers. There is a small extra angler fee for the 3rd and 4th angler.
We offer a 2 Hour (BEGINNER ANGLER FISHING CHARTER) that is a basic fishing trip that is designed for beginner anglers and especially kids. We want the family to fish together so 4 people are included in the price. This trip targets smaller fish and fish that are almost always hungry.
If you are a seasoned angler and are interested in finesse fishing plastics, top water baits, or using more advanced techniques please let you captain know when booking and we will gear up the trip to accommodate your skill level.
Night Fishing
NIGHT FISHING
DON'T FISH IN THE SWELTERING HEAT! We offer seasonal (April-October) night fishing charters. This charter is very popular for families who are on vacation or those who want to avoid fishing in the heat of the day. Your family can go to dinner, catch a movie, or go to the amusement park and still have time to work in a fishing trip before you go to bed.
Our night trips depart at 8:30 PM from the SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, AL and consists of fishing the lights of the shoreline piers and the numerous inshore and near shore underwater reefs in the Orange Beach area. Our night trips have very little travel time due to the close proximity of the outstanding night fishing structures that are close to the marina.
We also offer catch and release night shark fishing trips. The night shark trip departs at 8 PM and are 4 hour trips. Our night shark fishing trip is done inshore in calm water and is a no chum trip due to State Law. You may be surprised by what swims in the back bay at night!
Shrimping
SHRIMPING (Includes 4 people)
At Alabama Coastal Charters we LOVE kids! This charter is fun for everyone but it was designed for families with children. Your children will receive personal attention from the captain and will have an opportunity to assist "hands on" in the shrimping process. They will have the opportunity to drive the boat with the captain and get their picture taken. When the net is retrieved, the captain will pour the catch into the sorting bin. After removing all potentially harmful sea life your children can assist in sorting the catch. During the sorting process, we make an effort to teach and educate as much as possible about the sea life in the sorting bin, birds overhead, and dolphins beside the boat. A typical catch will have shrimp, squid, and many different varieties of fish in the net. It is not uncommon to catch crabs, stingrays and an occasional shark.
When the net is being pulled, the dolphins hear the sound of the net cutting through the water and they know that is the sound of the dinner bell. They will often follow behind the net and will follow the catch right to the boat. During the sorting process the bi-catch is discarded and this usually provides for an up close Dolphin viewing opportunity. In order to protect the Dolphins and Sea Birds hand feeding is strictly prohibited!
At Alabama Coastal Charters, we try hard to make this a very memorable experience for your family. We have had many customers tell us this shrimping charter was the highlight of their child's vacation.
When the charter is over we will bag the shrimp and they are our free gift to you!
Bring your Camera!!!!
Shrimping and Fishing Combo
DO IT ALL! (Includes 4 People)
This is THE MOST UNIQUE trip in Orange Beach! You can combine shrimping in the calm back bay waters of Orange Beach with your choice of inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing all in the same trip.
This trip is by far our most popular and best value trip. You get to DO IT ALL and 4 people are included in the price of the trip.
We shrimp for 2 hours and that usually consist of 2-3 pulls of the net depending on how long it takes to separate the bi-catch. The fishing portion of the charter is between 2-4 hours and is customized to each customers preference. The 4 hour fishing/shrimping combo will allow for fishing in the calm back bay waters or fish the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The 6 hour fishing/shrimping combo allows for going offshore and bottom fish for Red Snapper or troll the near shore waters for Mackerel.
Depending on what is in season the fishing portion of the charter may allow you to target Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Red Fish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Trigger fish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, White Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, Blue Fish, and various other types of fish.
We will customize the fishing portion of the trip to what you would like to do and what can be caught at that time of the year.
It is not by accident that Alabama Coast Charters does not add extra angler charges on this trip. We understand family time is important and want to offer our most popular trip at a very affordable price.
In order to protect the Dolphins and Sea Birds hand feeding is strictly prohibited!
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
SUNSET DOLPHIN CRUISE
There are few sunsets that compare to the sun setting over Orange Beach, Alabama. As you can see from the pictures this is the view we enjoy everyday. The cloud patterns change daily so you can expect a unique and ever changing sunset on every cruise.
Our Sunset Dolphin Cruise lasts 1 1/2 hours and takes place in the calm back bay waters near Orange Beach, Alabama. Our Sunset Dolphin Cruise is unique in several ways. First, our cruise is private and the captain will provide detailed information related to the area's historic and local attractions. Second, we offer the opportunity to pull a shrimp net behind the boat while you are enjoying the setting sun. The dolphins hear the net as it is pulled through the water and they know that means dinner. The dolphins will follow behind the net as it is being pulled and when it is retrieved they will follow the net to the boat for an up close dolphin viewing experience. As the bi-catch is discarded the dolphins tend to stay close to the boat and that provide for a good opportunity for photos. In order to protect the dolphins and sea birds hand feeding is strictly forbidden and is protected by law. Don't forget your camera!
We are now offering a new sunset "Do It All" cruise for 2019. This sunset cruise combines a Shrimping/Dolphin Encounter with a Laser Light Show.
We leave the marina at 6:30 PM and travel west into the setting sun via the intracoastal waterway to the Warf for the "Spectra Laser Light Show" that starts at 8:30 PM. In route to the Warf we pull the shrimp net. When sorting the bi-catch you will be provided an up close Bottle Nose Dolphin viewing opportunity. The boat will leave immediately following the laser light show and return to the marina by 9:45 PM.
When your sunset cruise is complete your Alabama Coastal Charters captain will bag your shrimp and give them to you as a free gift. This is our small way of saying thank you for sharing the sunset with us!
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
Where do we meet the boat?
Our charters leave from the beautiful SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach, AL (27267 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561). You will hear from your captain one or two days before your charter to finalize all departure details. Look for the Silver Marlin Fountain next to the road to locate the marina. Please park in the underground parking lot or in the West parking lot. Do not park in the East parking lot. The boat will be docked at the pier next to the charter office which is behind the rust colored building. You do not have to go to the charter office if you booked directly with me.
Do I need a fishing license?
No, you do not need a fishing license. Alabama Coastal Charters purchases an Alabama and Florida Charter Fishing License yearly and that covers you while fishing on the boat.
What do I need to bring?
You will want to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. For the longer trips you may bring drinks and snacks. If you bring a cooler please bring a small one. I encourage you to bring your camera but be certain you have a way to keep it dry.
Try to bring all of your personal belonging in one bag if possible due to limited space on the boat.
What if the weather and sea conditions become severe?
We will discuss the weather situation prior to departure or even some cases before you leave your place of residence, condo, or business. We understand in most cases you have a narrow window to get in your fishing charter and we will do our best to make your charter happen. The Captain will make the final decision on the charter based on sea conditions, weather, or vessel concerns.
If your trip is cancelled and can not be rescheduled there will be no charge for the charter.
Sea conditions can and do change in a matter of minutes. The Captain may shorten your charter if sea conditions become hazardous. His priority is your safety. Your trip will be prorated if the captain shortens the trip due to dangerous conditions.
What happens if we get seasick?
It is difficult to know who will become seasick and who will not. You may want to consult your physician before your trip as there are many excellent options to prevent or minimize seasickness.
You are never held hostage on an Alabama Coastal Charters fishing charter. If you become seasick just notify the Captain and we will return to port. If you become seasick and are on a 4 hour charter or less there will be no refunds or prorating of the charter. If you are on a 5 hour or 6 hour charter and need to return to port due to seasickness there will be a minimum 4 hour trip charge and we will prorate the charter if longer than 4 hours.
Do I provide a tip?
Yes, it is customary to tip 20% of the charter price. Your Captain is also your deckhand and arrives long before your charter to prep the boat and catch bait and stays hours after your charter to clean fish and clean the boat.
Cancellation and Weather Policy
Cancellation Policy
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your charter (your deposit will not be charged to your credit card until after your charter is complete). A 14 day cancellation notification is required in order to receive your full deposit refund. Cancellations made between 7-13 days will forfeit 25% of your deposit or you will need to reschedule your charter within 3 months of your original charter date. Cancellations made between 3-6 days of your charter will forfeit your complete deposit or you will need to reschedule your charter within 3 months of your original charter date. Cancellations made less than 48 hours of your charter date or "no shows" will be charged the full amount of the charter. You may only reschedule your charter one time. If you choose to reschedule a trip and do not make your rescheduled date you will be charged the full amount of the original charter. Alabama Coastal Charters, LLC must be contacted by one of the following methods to cancel or reschedule a charter: Email: captaindavis@alabamacoastalcharters.com / Phone or Text: (251)714-3474 / Alabama Coastal Charters, LLC 155 Defuniak Loop , Lillian, AL 36549.
You MUST receive a reschedule code from Alabama Coastal Charters, LLC. This code confirms we received your cancellation or rescheduling information.
Weather Policy
The captain reserves the right to cancel all trips due to weather conditions, unsafe sea conditions, or mechanical issues with the boat. If the captain cancels the trip and it can not be rescheduled the trip will be fully refunded. The captain will make the decision to cancel the trip on the morning of the charter. In some rare cases the trip may be cancelled before the morning of the trip. (Example: Small Craft advisories are posted by the National Weather Service for multiple days.)
